7 Weeks In My Body | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

7 Weeks In My Body

Some of the things I heard *should* blow your mind.

37
7 Weeks In My Body
Courtney Strength

The first time I can remember feeling uncomfortable with a comment made about my body by a stranger, I was 13 years old. I'm now 20 years old and far too familiar with the world of catcalling. On an uncomfortably regular basis, strangers take it upon themselves to tell me how I "make them feel/think." About seven weeks ago, an older man approached me at a gas station. Expecting the usual "you have beautiful eyes" (to which my automated response has become "Thank you, I know."), or occasional " are you single?" (which grants the sassy "I'm not interested."), I braced myself for whatever remark came out from this guy's mouth. However, when he proceeded to tell me that I am the type of woman who "provokes sinful thoughts," I really couldn't help myself from staring at him with my mouth agape. Shocked, I let out an uncomfortable chuckle and managed the words "excuse me?" He continued to let me know how my thicker-than-average hips and thighs paired with my long body is what makes me sexy. Without another word I finished closing my gas tank, climbed in my car, and drove home. I decided then that I would keep track of the things said to me by strangers regarding my physical appearance, a response to my social media posts or anything inappropriate for a conversation starter. This article is a sample of seven weeks in my body.

"Hey baby, you single?"

"Damn."

"You're built like a grown a** woman."

" Smile, baby."

"You got an a** from heaven, sugar."

"Hey sweetie, you looking for a real man?"

"Damn baby."

*Uncomfortable wink*

"You gotta keep the water hot and the pressure hard."

"I'll wait for those thighs to save my life."

"HEY! OVER HERE BABY!!!" (across three lanes of traffic)

"Smile, princess. You look better when you smile."

"You got nice legs. Real long. Bet they wrap around a man well."

"You sexy as hell. You single?"

"Oh, you like girls too? Even better."

*Whistle from across the street*

"Where'd you get that a** from?"

"You single, sweetheart?"

"Damn, you're fine as hell."

"You got a nice set of breasts."

"Wow. You sexy as hell."

"Walk that ass over here, mama."

Now, if you're thinking "there's no way somebody actually said some of those things," you're wrong. If you think that this isn't what women actually have to deal with on a regular basis, you're wrong. If you don't see anything wrong with those comments, you're wrong. I'm tired of other people seeing my body and feeling like they have the right to comment on it. As a woman, I'm exhausted from being sexualized without my permission. In seven weeks, I realized how many strangers used my existence for some sort of excitement that I didn't give the okay for. In seven weeks, I learned how little respect other people have for a stranger's body.

So, I'm calling every single last one of you out. You think it's cute or endearing to catcall a woman? You're wrong. And I'm over it. Enough is enough.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

14067
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6132
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4542
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3989
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments